The Murders of Richard III  
By Elizabeth Peters

   Elizabeth Peters was at her best in this romp through a murder party. Reminders of historical players in a historical house setting, the guests test each other and find the strong points and the weaker points of the other guests of the soirée. To let you in on the plots and sub-plots would be to give away the best part of the story, so I won’t do it. Suffice to say that this story is a classic who-dun-it and has been around for a long time and enjoyed by many people in the reading of this book, and the playing of the games at parties around the country and world for many years. Take the stories of King Richard III as done in Shakespeare’s hands and words and then bring them forward to this generation and the way we live now. The setting is elegant and true to the time of the party. Jacqueline Kirby is the one to follow and get to know, although Thomas plays a significant part.

    However, the story takes a turn when the bodies really do start piling up, as in the best of the parties that have been favored for years. Only this time, it is real, and someone is going to die. Strange doings, masquerades and ball gowns, people all dressed to kill, and the make believe murders turn real. See if you can figure it out before the end of the story.

   The Murders of Richard III is an entertaining book, for those who like light-hearted suspense and a party atmosphere. Ms. Peters is in her element and knows her area and social games. The English Manor is full of glimpses of history that gave us much of what we think today.